Stocking-holding band for darning purposes for sewing-machines.



PATENTED NOV. 14, 1905.

= A. G. MAYNARD.

STOCKING HOLDING BAND FOR DARNING PURPOSES FOR SEWING MAOHINE3.

APPLIUATION FILED APR. 10] 1905.

TTNTTE STAS PATN Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 14, 1905.

Application filed April 10, 1905. Serial No. 254,732.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, AeNEs Gr. MAYNARD, a citizen of the United States of America, residing in the city and county of Denver, State of Colorado, have invented a new and useful Stocking-lrlolding Band for Darning Purposes for Sewing-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to bands for holding stockings while being darned, and particularly to a device of this character which is adapted for use in connection with an ordinary sewing-machine.

The object of the invention is to provide a preferably oval-shaped band around which the stocking may be rolled in compact form and in such manner as to position the worn portion of the stocking within the circumference of the band, securing means being provided for holding the worn portion of the stocking so that it may be stretched and held in a stretched position over the bottom of the band while the stocking is being darned, the remaining portion of the stocking being out of the way of the operator.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for preventing the rolled portion of the stocking from extending above the upper edge of the band during the process of darning, thus affording an unobstructed view of the work being done and at the same time preventing the stocking from interfering with the action of the needle-bar or needle.

The invention further consists in certain novel features of construction, which will be fully set forth in the accompanyingspecification and claims.

in the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a stocking rolled around the band in position to be darned, the device being illustrated in connection with a portion of a sewing-machine. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the improved stocking-holding band, showing the arms which prevent the upward movement of the stocking folded in or out of an operative position. plan view thereof, the arms being turned out, as in Fig. 1. Fig. 4: is a plan view illustrating the stocking-holding band placed over a worn place in a stocking prior to rolling the stockmg back around. the said band in the manner shown 1n Flg. 1. Fig. 5 1s a longitudinal sectional view of the device, a stocking being rolled upon the same in position to be darned; and Fig. 6 is a side view of one of the swinging arms.

Fig. 3 is a Referring to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 indicates a metal band, which is preferably oval-shaped and of a size to fit easily into the foot of a stocking. The lower edge of this band is formed with integral strips or plates 2, the ends of which are formed witli a plurality of prongs 3, and these strips are bent so that the prongs will project up vertically, as clearly 'shown in Fig. 2. The band is formed with outwardly-projecting loops i, which are arranged in pairs around the periphery of the band, theloops in each pair being arranged one above the other. The loops are each formed by cutting two parallel slits of suitable length in the band and then pressing out the metal between the slits, as shown. Each pair of loops form bearings for a swinging arm 5, and these arms are each formed of short lengths of stout wire, which are bent centrally to give the arm an L shape. The vertical portions of the arms are passed down through the pairs of loops far enough to permit their horizontal portions to swing above the upper edge of the band, and the arms are prevented from moving vertically in either direction by forming in their vertical members circumferential grooves 6, into which the upper loops lit. I preferably employ six of these arms and arrange them at equidistant points around the periphery of the band, and I arrange the pronged plates 2 so that they will alternate with the arms. A vertical slit 7 is formed in one side of the band, and the slit extends from the upper edge to within a short distance of the lower edge of the band and forms an entrance for the needle of a sewing-machine, as will hereinafter appear.

The device herein described is designed to be used in connection with an ordinary sewing-machine, and the manner of arranging it and of securing the stocking thereon is as follows: The stocking is turned so that the right side will be out, and one hand is placed in the stocking beneath the worn portion, while the band is laid upon the stocking so as to inclose the worn place, as shown in Fig. 4. The material around the worn place is then stretched and hooked upon the prongs 3, as shown in Fig. 5, and the stocking is then rolledv back around the band, as shown. Thus the material surrounding the worn part of the stocking is stretched across the bottom of the band and is held by the prongs, while the remainder of the stocking is compactly rolled upon. the band, so as to be out of the way, and is prevented from slipping up beyond the upper Ioo edge of the band by the arms 5, which are turned out to lie across the rolled portion of the stocking, as shown.

In using my device in connection with a sewing-machine it is necessary first to remove the presser-foot from the machine. The band with its stocking may then be placed in proper position relative to the needle by pressing the rolled portion of the stocking down and passing the needle through the slot 7 to the interior of the band. The machine is then set in motion and the band is moved backward and forward until the worn portion of the stocking is completely covered by independent strings of lock-stitching. Then by moving the band at right angles to its former movement a second series of stitches are formed at right angles to the first-formed stitches, and these stitches unite with and bind the former stitches together in such a manner as to form a piece of closely-woven stitchwork which is neat, smooth, and strong, and when the darning is completed the needle is passed out through the slit in the band and the stocking can be quickly removed.

By the employment of my improved device in connection with a sewing-machine the time and work required in darning stockings are greatly lessened, and the work is of a much neatet and better character than could be done in the usual way.

The device illustrated is extremely simple in construction, and while I have shown the preferred form of construction it will be apparent that many modifications could be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I/VhatI claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a device of the character described, a band having a vertical slit in one side; a series of arms pivoted upon the periphery of said band, having horizontal members which lie above the upper edge of the band, and pronged plates on said band, which alternate with the pivoted arms.

2. In a device of the character described, an oval-shaped band, having a vertical slit on one side, extending from its upper edge to within a short distance of its lower edge; a series of upturned plates upon the lower edge of said band, the ends of which are formed into prongs, and L-shaped swinging arms upon the periphery of said band, the horizontal portions of which lie above the upper edge of the band.

3. In a device of the character described, an oval-shaped band having avertical slit on one side, extending from its upper edge to within a short distance of its lower edge; a series of integral plates upon the lower edge of said band, the ends of which are upturned, and formed into a plurality of prongs; loops upon the periphery of said band, and L-shaped swinging arms secured in said loops, the horizontal portions of which lie above the upper edge of said band.

I. In adevice of the character described, an oval-shaped band having integral loops disposed in pairs around its periphery; L-shaped arms, the vertical portions of which are pivoted in said loops, while the horizontal portions lie above the upper edge of said band; and integral plates on the lower edge of said band, the ends of which are upturned, and are formed into a plurality of prongs.

5. In a device of the character described, an oval band having a series of integral plates upon its lower edge, the ends of which are upturned, and formed into prongs; integral loops upon the periphery of said band which are disposed in pairs that alternate with the said pronged plates, the loops in each pair being one above the other; L-shaped arms which are pivoted in said pairs of loops, the horizontal portions of which lie above the upper edge of the band, said band being provided with a slit, which extends from its upper edge to within a short distance of its lower edge.

6. In a device of the character described, an oval band having a vertical slit in one side; a series of integral loops disposed in pairs around the periphery of the band; L-shaped arms pivoted in said pairs of loops, having circumferential grooves in which said loops fit, and integral pronged plates on the lower edge of said band, which alternate with said pairs of loops.

7. In a device for holding stockings while being darned, an oval band having a vertical slit extending from its upper edge; upturned prongs upon the lower edge of said band; integral loops on the periphery of said band, arranged in pairs; L-shaped swinging arms in said loops, and means for preventing vertical movement of said arms in said loops.

In testimony whereof I a'flix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

AGNES Gr. MAYNARD.

WVitnesses:

G. SARGENT ELLIOTT, GRAon P. LINDSLEY. 

